| Titans Defeat Yamhill Highflyers and Vancouver Volcanoes on Final Weekend Before 2009 IBL Playoffs |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Vancouver Titans seem to be peaking at the right time. BC’s professional basketball team are continuing a successful second half of the season leading into the 2009 IBL Playoffs beginning next week. Rebounding from a 3-8 start, this weekend’s victories has the Titans now sit second in the IBL North division at 9-12 leading into the home finale this Monday June 29th against the visiting Edmonton Energy. Friday the Titans visited the Yamhill Highflyers based in McMinnville Oregon and walked away with a 124-92 win. Newest Titans addition Casey Archibald made his first appearance for his hometown team a solid one, contributing 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Brian Banman also had a good game, finishing with the same stat-line as Archibald of 16, 5 and 4. Gregg Farineau had his best game of the season with a double-double of 11 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks. “I am very proud of Gregg’s effort tonight,” said Titans Head Coach David Petroziello, “Gregg dominated his area and proved to be a force on the inside all night long.” The night, however, belonged to Titans guard Brandon Ellis. Inserted into the starting line-up for the first time this season, Ellis responded with his best game of the year, pouring in 25 points. “Brandon came to play tonight like he does every day,” said Petroziello, “he is perhaps our hardest worker and his efforts paid off tonight. He responded to the challenge very well and I'm very happy for him that he had this type of game”. The next night the Titans visited the Vancouver (WA) Volcanoes for a match-up with one of the top teams in the IBL. The Titans started off strong building an early lead in the 1st quarter before the Volcanoes responded with consecutive dunks which brought the small but enthusiastic crowd to its feet. A quick Titans timeout stabilized the situation but the Titans continued a sloppy first half of basketball which led to 15 turnovers and a 54-47 deficit going after one half of play. “We weren’t as sharp mentally to start the game as we would obviously have liked, and that led to some crazy plays” said Petroziello. “We knew we needed to fix that coming out of the half, and thankfully we did. Other than our turnovers, overall this was perhaps our most well played game of the season.” It would be hard to dispute that assessment when one considers that the Titans had six players reach double figures while scoring 117 points on only 86 shots. “We moved the ball early and extremely well to the point that a most of our shots were the high percentage ones we want to get within our offense. We had 25 assists as a team, and I loved our decision-making in the second half, especially how the team played with the right mix of emotion and focus – that is the type of basketball we want to play.” Casey Archibald led the way with 31 points on 10 of 19 shooting in only 29 minutes. Brian Banman contributed 22 points and 8 rebounds in perhaps his most efficient game of the season. Jessan Gray led the charge in the frontcourt with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Matt Rachar delivered another solid performance with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Overall it was an excellent team performance for which the Titans have been waiting. “It feels good to get this win the way we got it,” said Petroziello, “we took the Volcanoes out of their game with solid defence and good execution. The key now is to not be satisfied with this win, but to build upon it as we proceed into the post-season.” The final home game and regular season finale of the 2009 season goes Monday, June 29th when the IBL leading Edmonton Energy visits the Langley Events Centre. Tip-off is set for 7:15 p.m. For more information on the Vancouver Titans please visit www.vancouvertitans.com. Game Notes: Vs. Vancouver Volcanoes |
